Shore Health System recently began a new session of the Clinical Pastoral Education Program with five chaplain interns. This advanced clinical and pastoral education program prepares clergy and lay ministers for their work with the sick and their families.

Rev. David G. Berg of Annapolis is the program supervisor. Rev. Jody Gunn of Cordova has returned for her fourth unit of training. Interns beginning their first unit of clinical pastoral education are Sharyn Santel of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; Joan Testin of Northeast, Maryland; Joni Kindell of Salisbury; and Rev. Denise Millett of Annapolis.

The national standard for certification as a hospital chaplain requires a minimum of four units of clinical pastoral education. A unit consists of 400 hours of supervised ministry, didactic education and group process. The chaplain interns see patients and their families at all Shore Health System facilities, including The Memorial Hospital at Easton, Dorchester General Hospital in Cambridge and Shore Regional Cancer Center in Easton. The trainees apply their learning in religious congregations out in the community.

Ordained ministers and lay people who participate in clinical pastoral education receive specialized training that augments their general education in ministry. The program is scheduled so that local clergy may study while still serving their own congregations.

The Shore Health System Clinical Pastoral Education Program is accredited by the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy. For more information about this program and the Shore Health System Chaplain Associate Program, contact Brian Childs, PhD, director of ethics and spiritual care, 410-822-1000 or 410-228-5511, extension 5259.